Constructing a Building or Tenant Build-Out
Research Land-Use and Zoning Codes
If owner-occupied business owners should contact the City’s Planning Department, before signing contracts or leases, to determine the land use and zoning for the prospective project and to get a use code for the business. This will ensure the proposed use is consistent with zoning at that location. Planning Division: (239) 574-0546
Begin Application/Permitting Procedures
Once the business use has been approved by the Planning Division, the business owner can obtain an information packet that includes all appropriate applications, guidelines and other information for commencing project. Permitting: (239) 573-3184
You may find the following links helpful as you begin the permitting process:
Pre-advisory Meeting
Before submitting the site plan and building permit applications, a business owner, engineer or design professional may request a complimentary pre-advisory meeting with permitting staff. Staff attendees include reviewers from public works, surface water, transportation, fire, utilities, planning/zoning, economic development and landscaping. Permitting: (239) 573-3184
Site Building/Plan Reviews
The project may submit site-plan and building-plans simultaneously, although if changes in one require changes in the other, any expense is borne by the project. The city is now requiring electronic submissions for some types of projects. This results in faster reviews. The length of time for approval depends on the accuracy and completeness of the materials provided. A complete submittal may require a number of items:
- Letter of Intent
- Sufficiency Checklist
- 7 sets of completed sealed site plans
- 10 sealed boundary surveys with legal description
- Acknowledge Form
- Site Plan Covenant
- Burrowing Owl/Gopher Tortoise Affidavit
- Landscape Responsibility Agreement
- Fire Hydrant Responsibility Agreement, if applicable
- Copy of Notice of Intent for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), if applicable
- Maintenance of Traffic Control Plan, if applicable.
Additional information or steps may be required in this process and will be determined during this stage. Click here for Plan Review Fees. For more details and to obtain the site plan application, contact Permitting at (239) 573-3184
Approvals Issued
After the site plan has been approved, site preparation can begin. The building permit approval should follow and construction can begin.
Obtain State and Local Licenses for Your Type of Business
- Every business must have a legal structure and those that are a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company must register the business with the state of Florida. Business owners using a name other than their legal name, must register a fictitious name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations: (850) 245-6058 or www.sunbiz.org
- Florida requires state licenses or certificates of competency for a number of professions and occupations. Many require special training and prior examinations. Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation: (850) 487-1395 or www.myflorida.com/dbpr
- Apply to the Health Department for all required licenses and approvals: (239) 332-9501
- Apply to the City for an occupational license: (239) 574-0430
- If signage is needed at your business, apply for a sign permit. (239) 574-0553
Certificate of Use
It is recommended that 30 days before the completion of the building, a Certificate of Use application be submitted to the Building Division. This is mandatory to occupy a unit or building. Several inspections may required before the certificate can be issued.
- Businesses located on a septic system or those related to Health Care Administration, Food Processing, Hotel/Motel Lodging or all other professionally regulated businesses may require an additional inspection by the appropriate state agency.
- Fire Inspection: Fire Prevention Bureau: (239) 242-3264
- Zoning Inspection: Planning Division: (239) 574-0546
- Building Inspection: Building Division: (239) 574-0546
- Septic Inspection: Lee County Health Department: (239) 332-9501
- Health Care Inspections: Agency for Health Care Administration (239) 338-2366
- Restaurant/Hotel/Motel - Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation: (850) 487-1395
- Grocery Store/Deli - Department of Agriculture: (850) 488-3022
Contact Permitting to obtain an application for the Certificate of Use: (239) 574-0553
Lee County Business Tax Receipt (BTR)
In addition to the Cape Coral Business Tax Receipt, a Lee County BTR is required. Contact: Lee County (239) 339-6000.
Cape Coral zoning, building, fire, and licensing staff will assist you in coordinating compliance with these requirements.
Begin Business Operations! Thank you for choosing Cape Coral.